I thought the pick they got from Orlando is actually Sacramento's pick (as stated in the article above). So basically, unless their own pick is #1 overall, the Grizz can count on having one potential lotto pick from the Rockets and a pick in the 20s from Sacramento.
I think it is a pretty good move from both teams. I think West should have got a better pick than the Sac pick (maybe Orlando's own) by including Giricek--but overall both teams got more of what they need. There just wasn't room for Gasol, Gooden and Swift, and the Magic were not going to spring for Swift--so the Grizz traded the middle one in terms of value/talent. I do wonder how long Battier will be with Grizz--but by moving Giricek as well maybe Miller or Battier can get some PT at the 2. The Magic IMO clearly improve their team. Gooden should be a solid PF in the east for many years and Giricek may give them a true 2 where they can use McGrady against slower 3s. Miller is a good offensive player, but McGrady is a far better one who also needs the ball thus reducing what Miller did for them.
You have to wonder if this is the only move West will make before the deadline. He still needs a center. Hmmm.
Trade #2: Denver and Boston the Celtics added some needed size by acquiring Mark Blount and Mark Bryant from Denver for Shammond Williams, a second-round pick and cash.
Partly because he is reported to be an absolute black hole on offense and complains about playing time. But I still think it was a good trade for Orlando.
I agree especially in the East. Gooden is very,very intense and has a nice feel around the hoop. In his limited minutes he did put up good rookie numbers. In Orlando, he gets a chance to run and get some dunks and post up some while the defense looks for McGrady. I will go on to say that if Gooden stays healthy, next yr he will be 18pts and 8 rebs. I think the emergence of Sasser helps makes Miller expendable. Gordon is a very good accurate shooter also. I like Goodens mean steak also.
No matter about the lotto picks because the highest one, theirs go to Detroit. If Houston or Orlando doesn't make it, it will be a late lotto pick. They will most will give up at least a number 4 pick.
Orlando Magic: Tracy McGrady is not taking the trading of his best friend, Mike Miller, very well. "Mike is my man," McGrady told the Orlando Sentinel. "That's like my brother, man. And he's no longer with me. I'm telling you right now: I'm going to be hard on these guys, man. I swear to God, too, because Mike is my dude, man. I'm going to be hard on these guys." (from ESPN Insider) ----- Sounds really dumb to me.
McGrady will change his tune when they start winning more games. When Gooden gets better and draws double teams in the post. When Gooden rebounds balls and outlets them to McGrady on the break. McGrady was pretty tight with Miller. It is understandable on a personal level that Miller was traded. But on a professional level McGrady will understand why this trade was done and will see the benefits if not rather quickly within a season. Chris
I think this is an outstanding trade for both teams. Miller is a former rookie of the year and has the athleticism to take the ball to the rack. He is still very young (22?) but most importantly he has a great outside shot that will stretch defenses. Pau Gasol is going to love having an outstanding shooter like Mike Miller to go along with Wesley Person. Gooden is going to give McGrady the low post threat that the Magic have been looking for since they tried to sign Duncan a few years ago. Gooden is not a very good rebounder…yet. Defenses will have to pay attention to the post on the offensive end Giricek may not be the outside shooter that Miller is but he is still good enough to keep defenses honest. IMO both teams just improved themselves a lot.
Gooden starting out to prove something...in 11 min he is 5 of 6 for 10 pts and 3 boards. I think this move will get him back in the hunt for ROY.
